Grand Balkan Tour with Adriatic Cruise EU412

 

2021 Departures: May 4, 25, Jun 15, Jul 6, 27, Aug 17, Sep 7, 21. 

Highlights

• Sightseeing tours of Zagreb, Ljubljana, Split, Dubrovnik, Tirana, Ohrid, Skopje and Kotor (English/Spanish); Korčula and Hvar (English)
• Bled Castle, the Plitvice Lakes National Park
• St Lawrence Cathedral in Trogir
• Diocletian’s Palace and St Ducimus Cathedral in Split
• Franciscan Monastery and Rector’s Palace in Dubrovnik
• National Museum in Tirana,
• St. Sophia, St. Clement and St. Naum in Ohrid
• Church of Holy Savior and Monastery of St  Panteleimon in Skopje
• Residence of King Nikola I Petrović in Cetinje
• St. Tryphon Cathedral in Kotor

Day 1 Tuesday   ZAGREB – Arrival

You will be greeted at Zagreb Airport,  and transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight. 

Day 2 Wednesday   ZAGREB – BLED – LJUBLJANA

In the morning we take a tour of Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. You will see the historic center with St. Mark’s Church with it’s multi-coloured roof, the National Theatre & University. Free time then in the afternoon we depart via Bled Lake to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, for dinner and overnight.

Day 3 Thursday   LJUBLJANA  – PLITVICE

Today a tour of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia and home to one of the oldest Philharmonic orchestras in the world. Explore the baroque town buildings and stroll beside the majestic Ljubljana river. In the afternoon we depart for the UNESCO listed Plitvice Lakes National Park. Here we will explore the lakes, each at a different level, wich are connected  by a series of cascading waterfalls and surrounded by dense wood. Plitvice Lakes are a natural phenomenon of rare and unique beauty. Dinner in a local restaurant and overnight in Plitvice.

Day 4 Friday   PLITVICE – TROGIR- SPLIT

Departure for Trogir,  a lovely historic Dalmatian town dating back to Greek-Roman times. The old town center, a UNESCO World Heritage site is located on an island that is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Here we will visit the Cathedral of St Lawrence. Continue to Split a major resort town with excellent views and buildings dating back to the Romans. To begin the city tour we visit Diocletian’s Palace (UNESCO listed) with its Peristyle or porch surrounding the palace. We also see Jupiter’s Temple and the Cathedral. Dinner and overnight in Split.

Day 5 Saturday   SPLIT – MOSTAR – DUBROVNIK

After breakfast we depart for Dubrovnik, with its stunning views, clear waters and lovely old town of red roofs protected by Venetian fortifications. We pass through Bosnia and Herzegovina. En route we stop at Mostar (recently UNESCO Heritage listed), famous for the 16th century bridge that connect two parts of the town. Dinner and overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 6 Sunday   DUBROVNIK

Today is a day for your own activities. Take a leisurely cruise from the pier, stroll around the medieval streets or enjoy the crystal clear waters on the beach. Dinner and overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 7 Monday   DUBROVNIK – BUDVA  – SHKODRA/ ALBANIA  – TIRANA 

Today we have a morning tour of Dubrovnik (UNESCO listed) and visit the Franciscan Monastery with Europe’s third oldest pharmacy, the Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral. Next we depart for the capital of of Albania, Tirana. We drive inland to Budva on the coast of Montenegro known for its charming old city encircled by walls from the Venetian period. Continuation to Shkodra, once the capital of the Illyrian Kingdom (3^rd century B.C.). Dinner and overnight in Tirana. 

Day 8 Tuesday   TIRANA – OHRID 

This morning we tour Tirana, the capital of Albania, including the square named after Skender Bey, who led the rebellion against the Turks in the 15th century. Next we see the Mosque of Ethem Bey and visit the National Museum. In the afternoon we depart for Ohrid, via Elbasan and we cross the Macedonian border at Cafasan. Dinner and overnight in Ohrid on the shores of picturesque Lake Ohrid.

Day 9 Wednesday   OHRID

Enjoy a full day at the lakeside resort of Ohrid (UNESCO listed). This mornings sightseeing includes the Ohrid Literary School, the first Slavic University in Europe and the 11th century Church of St. Sofia. This is  the most eminent medieval monument in Macedonia with magnificent  Byzantine fresco paintings. After a short drive we tour the St. Naum Monastery, built on the shores of Ohrid Lake in 900 A.D. Dinner in a local restaurant and overnight in Ohrid. 

Day 10 Thursday   OHRID – SKOPJE

Today we visit Skopje, the birthplace of Mother Teresa.  Tour the Kale Fortress, the Church of the Holy Savior with its icons, the Old Bazaar and the Stone Bridge. Next we drive along the slopes of the Vodno Mountain where we visit the Monastery of St Panteleimon with its 12^th century iconostasis and frescoes, considered a prelude to Renaissance art by art historians. Dinner and overnight in Skopje.

Day 11 Friday   SKOPJE – KOLAŠIN

Drive through Peć and Berane along the impressive Morača River Canyon. This afternoon we arrive at Kolašin, on the left bank of the river Tara, at an altitude of 954 meters. The whole area is surrounded by the thick pine forest of the Bjelasica Mountain and is a popular skiing and spa resort. Dinner and overnight in Kolašin.

Day 12 Saturday   KOLAŠIN – CETINJE – KOTOR – DUBROVNIK

We depart for Cetinje, Montenegro’s historic capital. Here we visit the King Nikola I Petrović Museum, who was once the residence a progressive King of Montenegro. Continue to Kotor, (UNESCO listed) a coastal town in Montenegro, famous for its spectacular fjord-like setting and fortifications. Here we tour its Romanesque Cathedral dedicated to St. Triphon. We continue to Dubrovnik driving along the picturesque Bay of Kotor. Dinner and overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 13 Sunday   DUBROVNIK 

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Gruž harbor and embarkation. Meet your fellow travelers and your Cruise Manager at an onboard Welcome reception followed by a dinner. This evening you can relax or take a walk through Dubrovnik’s vibrant streets.

Day 14 Monday DUBROVNIK  –  KORCULA

After breakfast we set sail for the island of Korčula stopping for swimming at one of the pristine bays after which we will relax and continue sailing towards Korčula, the authentic medieval town with 13th centuyry twon walls claimed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. Take a a walking tour of Korcula through the narrow historic cobbled streets. Evening is free for you to enjoy. We will spend the night in Korcula on board.

Day 15 Tuesday KORČULA – PUČIŠĆA

This morning we set sail towards the island of Brač known for its beautiful village of Pučišća built of white stone. You can  visit the famous stone mason school (optional). Lunch on board. Enjoy a swim in one of Brač’s many sandy beaches and hidden coves and bay. Tonight you will enjoy a Captain’s Dinner and spend the night on this lovely island on board.

Day 16 Wednesday PUČIŠĆA – OMIŠ – SPLIT

We depart for Omiš this morning to the pirate island of ancient vineyard, olive groves canyons and mountain tops. Its fortresses and fortified strongholds are silent reminders of the power and might of the infamous pirates who had established the island as their home. The beauty and the contrast between the landscapes  on the island resembles the lush Azores Islands of Portugal. You can book a short walking tour, followed by a small boat ride to sail into Cetina River Canyon, a protected nature area, continuing to Radman Mills for a local specialty snack.   

After visiting Omiš set sail to Split with a stop along the way to swim, cool off and relax. Lunch on board. In the late afternoon we arrive at Split to spend the night. The evening is free for own activities. Overnight on board.

Day 17 Thursday  SPLIT – HVAR

Stop in Bol, a small town on Island Brac, for a swim at the Golden Horn. Enjoy the 1740-foot-long golden pebble beach said to be the best in Croatia. It is unique in that it changes shape and position depending on the winds. Return to your boat for lunch, then head to Hvar, the party island of the Adriatic.  Hvar is one of the most popular islands in the Adriatic and a meeting point for the international jet set. The “Croatian Madeira” It is also one of the longest islands along the Adriatic Coast covered by pine forests, orchards and lavender fields. It is also another island on the coast that was founded by the Greeks in ancient times dating back to the 4th century BC. We will spend the evening on board in Stari Grad. 

Day 18 Friday STARI GRAD -HVAR – MLJET

Departing from Stari Grad in the morning we sail to Hvar for a sightseeing tour. In Hvar you will see the oldest public theatre in Europe and many more historical sights.  Afterwards we return for lunch on board and sail to Mljet Island. Arrive at the Croatian “Greenest Island” it will hypnotize you with its beautiful, untouched nature and its cultural heritage. We arrive in the heart of Mljet National Park of dense forests, birds and two deep saltwater lakes. If you want to visit Mljet National Park, walk to the entrance where you can purchase the ticket to walk around the Great Lake and the Small Lake and join the boat ride to St. Mary Island. We will spend the night in Mljet on board.

Day 19 Saturday MLJET – DUBROVNIK

In the morning we start sailing back to Dubrovnik.  Again we stop for swimming en route and have lunch on board. Upon arrival in Dubrovnik you will enjoy a tour of the magnificent old town with a panoramic bus ride. See the Franciscan Monastary , the Rectors Palace, and the cathedral. Evening free, overnight on board.

Day 20 Sunday DUBROVNIK

After breakfast we disembark and receive a transfer to Dubrovnik airport or your hotel in Dubrovnik.

Includes: 

Land

• Arrival shared transfer from Zagreb Airport to hotel and departure transfer from harbour to Dubrovnik hotel or Airport (1st and 20th days of the tour)
• 12 nights Accommodation in  4* hotels except Dubrovnik which is 3 star on half board basis
• Local guides for sightseeing tours of Zagreb, Ljubljana, Split, Dubrovnik, Tirana, Ohrid, Skopje, Kotor, Korcula, Pvar.
• Modern air-conditioned motor coach transportation
• Services of bilingual land tour escort (English and Spanish)

Water

• Professional English-speaking Cruise Manager
• 7-night cruise in a preferred category cabin (superior boat) with private shower/toilet, air conditioning and LCD TV
• Welcome dinner and Captain’s dinner on board
• Daily buffet breakfast on board
• 6 lunches with 4 courses on board cruise
• Fresh water dispenser onboard
• Complimentary fresh fruits available daily on board
• Daily cabin servicing, fresh bed linen and towels midweek
• Free Wi-Fi onboard

Entrances

• Bled Castle, the Plitvice Lakes National Park
• St Lawrence Cathedral in Trogir
• Diocletian’s Palace and St Ducimus Cathedral in Split
• Franciscan Monastery and Rector’s Palace in Dubrovnik
• National Museum in Tirana,
• St. Sophia, St. Clement and St. Naum in Ohrid
• Church of Holy Savior and Monastery of St  Panteleimon in Skopje
• Residence of King Nikola I Petrović in Cetinje
• St. Tryphon Cathedral in Kotor

Optional Supplements

• Omis River Excursion Cetina River Canyon – includes river boat ride, snack of proscuitto, cheese, homemade bread, wine, water – 25 Euro per person 
• Entrance to Miljet National Park up to 25 Euro per person (varies seasonally) paid on entrance. 

2021 Prices Per Person in Euro:

• MAY & JUNE – Dual Occupancy in Lower Deck Cabin € 2660
• MAY & JUNE – Dual Occupancy in Main Deck Cabin € 2795
• JULY -SEPT – Dual Occupancy in Lower Deck Cabin €2860 
• JULY – SEPT – Dual Occupancy in Main Deck Cabin € 2995
• Single Supplement € 1440
• Port tax & tourist tax €35 
• USD will vary with the exchange rate

Four Star Hotels:

• Zagreb: International 
• Ljubljana: M 
• Plitvice: Park
• Split: President 
• Dubrovnik: Ivka (Three Star)
• Tirana: Sky Tower 
• Ohrid: Metropol 
• Skopje: Karpos 
• Kolašin: Bianca 

PLEASE NOTE:

• In the event a hotel can not be booked a similar quality property will be substituted.
• In the case of unfavourable weather and or sea conditions the cruise itinerary may be modified to ensure the safety of all passenegers. 
• Rates do not include drinks on board, extra meals or items of a personal nature. 

Book This Tour with Blue Danube Holidays or Contact Us

 

 Here are some other Adriatic Tours to consider:

 

• Highlights of Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia EU408 – 8 days to visit: Dubrovnik, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Zagreb, Plitvice and Split 
• Treasures of Croatia EU407 – 5 days tour of Zagreb,  Plitvice, Split, Dubrovnik
• Adriatic Highlights EU405 – 8 days departing from Dubrovnik to Zagreb 
• Croatia Circle Tour EU403 – 9 days to Zagreb, Plitvice, Split, Dubrovnik, Trogir, Zadar, Zagreb 
• Beauties of the Balkans Tour EU409 – 8 days to Montenegro, Albania Macedonia departure from Dubrovnik
• Balkan Grand Tour EU402  – 12 days A Balkan discovery tour to Montenegro Albania. Macedonia from Zagreb Croatia 
• Adriatic Island Cruise and Croatian Land Tour EU404 – 12 days Adriatic Island Cruise & Croatian Land Tour
• 14 Day Tour and Cruise to Croatia & Bosnia EU410 – 14 days  7 day guided tour combined with a 7 day cruise.

Read our full blog about Croatia HERE. You can also find out more about Croatia HERE